Nine countries that could have the world's next big unconventional play

June 30, 2016 1:34 PM

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Australia's Cooper Basin, in the southeast part of the country, could be a major source of shale gas. But due to a labor shortage, the cost of drilling and completing a shale gas well there is two to three times the cost of doing so in the U.S., according to Accenture. less

Australia's Cooper Basin, in the southeast part of the country, could be a major source of shale gas. But due to a labor shortage, the cost of drilling and completing a shale gas well there is two to three ... more

Photo: Flickr/bookabee_tours_australia

Australia's Cooper Basin, in the southeast part of the... Photo-8058889.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Neuquén Basin in central Argentina has the greatest unconventional resource potential outside the U.S. and Canada, according to Accenture. The basin has a strong road network, but the economic climate in Argentina makes foreign investment a challenge. less

The Neuquén Basin in central Argentina has the greatest unconventional resource potential outside the U.S. and Canada, according to Accenture. The basin has a strong road network, but the economic climate in ... more

Photo: Flickr/mikelpierre

The Neuquén Basin in central Argentina has the greatest... Photo-8058890.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Burgos Basin, just south of the U.S.-Mexico border, is believed to be a continuation of the Eagle Ford. The Mexican government has opened up the energy sector to foreign investment, but security remains a risk. less

The Burgos Basin, just south of the U.S.-Mexico border, is believed to be a continuation of the Eagle Ford. The Mexican government has opened up the energy sector to foreign investment, but security remains a ... more

Photo: Flickr/amantedar

The Burgos Basin, just south of the U.S.-Mexico border, is believed... Photo-8058891.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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Poland's Baltic Basin contains shale gas and shale oil and has an existing natural gas pipeline, according to Accenture. But the country has an uncertain tax regime which could prompt hesitance by investors.

Poland's Baltic Basin contains shale gas and shale oil and has an existing natural gas pipeline, according to Accenture. But the country has an uncertain tax regime which could prompt hesitance by investors.

The West Sibera basin is the largest petroleum basin in the world by geographic area, according to Accenture, and flat production in Russia could contribute to tight oil development. But the political environment could cause also slow some foreign investment. less

The West Sibera basin is the largest petroleum basin in the world by geographic area, according to Accenture, and flat production in Russia could contribute to tight oil development. But the political ... more

Photo: Flickr/arcticbear

The West Sibera basin is the largest petroleum basin in the world... Photo-8058893.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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The South Ghawar Basin in Saudi Arabia has major unconventional gas reserves and the infrastructure to handle gas transportation. Saudia Aramco could substitute the oil it provides to electricity generators with that natural gas, and then sell the crude on international markets, according to Accenture. less

The South Ghawar Basin in Saudi Arabia has major unconventional gas reserves and the infrastructure to handle gas transportation. Saudia Aramco could substitute the oil it provides to electricity generators ... more

Photo: Flickr/waltercallens

The South Ghawar Basin in Saudi Arabia has major unconventional gas... Photo-8058894.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Sichuan Basin is the largest shale gas basin in China, but it sits below a mountainous area that's hard to access. About 80 percent of the best acreage belongs to the country's four national oil companies, according to Accenture. less

The Sichuan Basin is the largest shale gas basin in China, but it sits below a mountainous area that's hard to access. About 80 percent of the best acreage belongs to the country's four national oil companies, ... more

Photo: Flickr/ca_se

The Sichuan Basin is the largest shale gas basin in China, but it... Photo-8058895.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Karoo Basin in South Africa has shale gas, but development has been slowed due to local concerns about the environmental impact of unconventional drilling, according to Accenture.

The Karoo Basin in South Africa has shale gas, but development has been slowed due to local concerns about the environmental impact of unconventional drilling, according to Accenture.

Photo: Flickr/mariya_umama_wethemba_monastery

The Karoo Basin in South Africa has shale gas, but development has... Photo-8058896.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Bowland Basin in the United Kingom is a potential source of shale gas that could be buoyed by the government's steps to reduce the effective tax rate on production income. There are active non-governmental organizations, however, that vehemently oppose unconventional development. less

The Bowland Basin in the United Kingom is a potential source of shale gas that could be buoyed by the government's steps to reduce the effective tax rate on production income. There are active non-governmental ... more

Photo: Flickr/vilavelosa

The Bowland Basin in the United Kingom is a potential source of... Photo-8058897.110580 - San Antonio Express-News

Nine countries that could have the world's next big unconventional play